Antelope Valley Closes In on Title Defense

Antelope Valley High running back Jermaine Lewis rushed 18 times for 167 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Antelopes to a 42-14 victory over Saugus in a Division II quarterfinal game Friday night at Antelope Valley.

“To get into the semifinals is a great accomplishment,” Antelope Valley coach Brent Newcomb said. “This is one of the greatest Antelope Valley teams ever to play on this field.”

The defending Division II champion Antelopes (11-1) used scoring from its offense, defense and special teams to open up a 28-0 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter despite Saugus having 32 first-half plays to the Antelopes’ 19.

Saugus (6-6) also held the ball for 17 minutes 23 seconds in the first half while Antelope Valley had it for only 6:37.

After Trymon Redick scored for the Antelopes on a 35-yard run, Cade Smith picked off a Kevin Carasco pass and raced 35 yards for a touchdown. On their next possession, the Centurions were forced to punt and Tony Walker returned it 59 yards for a touchdown.

Things got worse for Saugus on the ensuing possession. Walker intercepted a Carasco pass and outran the defense for 40 yards before fumbling into the end zone where it was recovered by Lewis for a touchdown.

Saugus scored on touchdown runs of one and four yards by Jeremy Mushinski, who finished the game with 39 yards in 14 carries. Carasco completed nine of 19 passes for 118 yards and three interceptions.

Anthony Smith had four receptions for 54 yards.

Redick finished with 47 yards in three carries including one touchdown, while Walker added 30 yards in four receptions to go along with his two interceptions.